The city of Conroe is using its eminent domain power for a project to realign Dallas Street at Roberson Street that officials say will result in safer intersection and increase mobility.

In a 4-1 vote, the council approved eminent domain process for the property at 502 W. Dallas St. Councilwoman Marsha Porter was the lone nay vote. Eminent domain is the power of governmental entities to take private property for public use, following the payment of just compensation.

The council deferred action on the purchase of two additional lots for the project.

Director of Capital Improvements and Transportation Tommy Woolley said the city has earmarked about $300,000 to acquire the lots. The total cost of the project will be about $630,000

Mayor Jody Czajkoski has been on the books for some time but recently the city allocated the funds to move forward. The goal of the project, Czajkoski said, is to better align the offset intersection, improve mobility and lead to the next phase that will widen Dallas Street as a Thoroughfare to Airport Road.

“With the proximity to Interstate 45 and immediate access to downtown Conroe, the Dallas Street thoroughfare has the potential to bring great opportunities in economic development,” Czajkoski said.

The project is expected to be complete by the end of summer 2022.

Written by Catherine Dominguez